For years, I have tracked who followed me on YouTube. The numbers were consistent: 99% were men, and the largest group was ages 55–64. Then I checked my stats for the last 28 days. Imagine my surprise—today, 75% of my viewers are 25–34, 25% are 55–64, and 58% are women. Quite a shift! Even more […]
Read More...What Hollywood Teaches Us: 7 Ways to Become a Speaking Star
To become a better speaker, consider going to the movies. That is the premise of my popular presentation, How to Add Hollywood to Your Presentations. Think about it. If you had unlimited resources to design the keynote that would make you the most in-demand professional in your industry, where would you go for the best […]
Read More...Why Your Audience Connection Determines Your Presentation Success
When preparing for a presentation, most speakers focus on their content and slides. That’s important—but it’s not enough. The real question you must ask yourself is: Who is my audience, and why should they care? Your content may be brilliant, but your impact depends on the relationship you build with your listeners. Do they feel […]
Read More...Do You Want to Inspire Action and Commitment? Use More Active Verbs
At an all-day event, my client asked me to speak briefly to promote my afternoon session. I said, “I know your morning is full, just give me three minutes.” I only took two and a half. I began with an amusing story about a request for an interview, which made the point that your message must be of […]
Read More...Are You Missing Out on a Great Way to Improve Your Presentations?
From Good to World-Class: How to Improve Your Presentations Socrates said, “Know thyself.” I say, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.” If you want to improve all of your presentations, here’s a simple process that works for seasoned professionals as well as ambitious beginners. Step 1: Watch Yourself Like a Coach Take a video […]
Read More...The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking
Recently, I had the joy of seeing the magnificent show A Beautiful Noise at The Smith Center in Las Vegas. This is, of course, the life story of Neil Diamond. Having seen him perform live before, I knew to expect magic, and I wasn’t disappointed. Part of the show’s brilliance is in its structure. It […]
Read More...Do You Agree Many Political Speech Openings Miss Opportunities?
You know how often I speak and write about the critical importance of a strong speech opening. The first words your audience hears don’t just begin your message; they set the tone, command attention, and signal your confidence. In short, the opening arouses interest in the subject and the speaker. This is true whether you’re […]
Read More...The Actor’s Secret That Makes Great Speakers Unforgettable
The Secret to Impactful Speaking and Performing “What an actor has to do is be personal in public,” said the legendary acting teacher, Lee Strasberg. That phrase resonates deeply with anyone who has stood on a stage or in front of a camera—or who leads a team, pitches an idea, or delivers a keynote. Strasberg […]
Read More...Making It Look Easy Isn’t Easy
Making It Look Easy Isn’t Easy When we watch a brilliant comedian, captivating speaker, or talented entertainer, it’s easy to think, “They make it look so effortless!” That’s precisely the point. The smoother the performance, the more hours of preparation, refinement, and quiet struggle are behind it. Years ago, I had the privilege of hearing […]
Read More...Lost Without PowerPoint? 7 Tips to Make It Powerful
When I ask my clients, “How long is your presentation?” it scares me when they answer, “Twelve slides.” Even worse is when I ask, “How do you design your presentation?” and they respond, “We get the slide deck.” Let’s be clear: PowerPoint is a very valuable tool, not a presentation. If you start with your […]
Read More...
